MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO
#1 in Mini millsFull review
For a hobbyist who wants an R8 mini mill with a readout at the lowest price and can live with short travels.
Amazon $1,999 eBay$1,999
The MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO is the better milling machine overall, rated 3.2 to 2.8. The MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO leads on features, motor and table size. The Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 wins on price. The Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 costs $550 less ($1,449 vs $1,999).
Prices were last checked November 4, 2026. Product prices and availability are accurate as of that date and are subject to change; the price and availability shown on Amazon or the retailer's site at the time of purchase apply. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. As an eBay Partner, we may be compensated if you make a purchase.
Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990
#8 in Mini millsFull review
For a hobbyist machining small parts in aluminum, brass and light steel who wants a quiet, well-supported mini mill.
Little Machine Shop $1,449 eBay$1,449
Which should you buy?
- Choose the MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO for features (R8 spindle, digital readout, brushless motor, variable speed, tilting head vs R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed), motor (746 W motor vs 500 W motor) and table size (5.5 x 19.6 in table (107.9 sq in) vs 4.7 x 18.1 in table (85.1 sq in)).
- Choose the Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 for price ($1,449 vs $1,999).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every mini mills milling machine; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO | Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 3.2/5 | 2.8/5 |
| Price 25% | 34 $1,999 | 60 $1,449 |
| Table size 20% | 20 5.5 x 19.6 in table (107.9 sq in) | 10 4.7 x 18.1 in table (85.1 sq in) |
| Motor 15% | 52 746 W motor | 25 500 W motor |
| Features 30% | 85 R8 spindle, digital readout, brushless motor, variable speed, tilting head | 55 R8 spindle, brushless motor, variable speed |
| Warranty 10% | 33 1-year warranty | 0 warranty not published, scored as none |
Specifications
| MechMaxx VM18LD 6x20 Mill Drill with DRO | Little Machine Shop HiTorque 3990 | |
|---|---|---|
| Capacity | ||
| Table | 5.5 x 19.6 in | 4.7 x 18.1 in |
| Longitudinal (X) travel | 8.6 in | 11.8 in |
| Cross (Y) travel | 6.3 in | 5.1 in |
| Head (Z) travel | - | 10.6 in |
| Quill travel | - | 2.8 in |
| Spindle and motor | ||
| Motor | 746 W (1 hp) | 500 W (0.7 hp) |
| Motor type | 1 hp DC brushless | Brushless DC, belt drive |
| Brushless motor | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle speeds | 0 to 2,500 rpm | 100 to 2,500 rpm |
| Variable speed | Yes | Yes |
| Spindle taper | R8 | R8 |
| Head tilt | 60° each way | None |
| Features | ||
| Power feed | - | No |
| Digital readout | Yes | No |
| Weight | 180 lb | 124 lb |
| Warranty | 1 year | - |